The Dublin-based international shipping company, The d’Amico Group confirmed its intentions to expand its fleet with the delivery of two new handy-size dry-bulk vessels worth around US $60 million from one of the world’s major shipbuilders, Hyundai Mipo, based in Ulsan, Korea.
These two latest vessel acquisitions have been named the Cielo di Dublino and the Cielo di San Francisco, the latter vessel being ‘christened’ by Mrs. Sandra Murphy, wife of Mr. Glenn Murphy, Director, Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) at a ceremony in Korea on 10th May.
The two additions to the fleet mark another important chapter in the Group’s development since it established its Irish office in 2002, as these vessels are managed from its Dublin office under the Irish Tonnage Tax regime. The investment in these two new vessels reflects the d’Amico Group’s commitment to growth, to providing a first-class service to their clients and to investment in its Irish operations.
Speaking at the naming ceremony in Korea, Mr. Cesare d’Amico, Group CEO stated: “ It is also fantastic to have with me such a distinguished delegation from Ireland because we have always believed very much in the potential of this country and this event marks a milestone, in my opinion, in the history of our two entities. Without their support, today probably would have not occurred ”.
The d’Amico Group began and grew as a family owned business; it has been operating successfully in the international shipping business for over 50 years. The Group has four more vessels under construction in Korea, scheduled for delivery in 2012, and two under construction in Japan which are scheduled for delivery in 2013. These latter ships represent a further investment in excess of US $310 million.
IMDO Director Glenn Murphy commented: “ d’Amico Group are one of a leading number of firms that are driving investment in this sector in Ireland which is contributing to new employment and growth opportunities ”.
Incorporated in Ireland since 2002, the company has steadily increased its presence and commitment to its Dublin-based operations. d’Amico Tankers Limited entered the Irish tonnage tax scheme in 2007; d’Amico Dry Limited entered the scheme in 2010
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Source: IMDO, May 13, 2011; Image: marinetraffic